|
 Our
Philosophy
Addiction is a progressive disease
Addiction is a progressive disease that affects every aspect of a
young woman's life and the lives of her family members. Although
addiction may take many forms, The Cedars residential program
focuses on addiction to alcohol and drugs.
The Resulting Lifestyle
As the individual's level of addiction increases, a physical and
psychological dependence on substances usually requires an
increase in the amount of drugs consumed. The lifestyle that
develops as substance abuse increases often involves high risk
situations, criminal activity, strained family relationships, poor
health practices and a deterioration in physical health generally.
Addicts are often alienated from their families.
A treatable disease
However, addiction is also a treatable disease. The staff at The
Cedars take a holistic approach to the treatment of the
disease utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model that is
client-centered. This means that the client and their key worker
develop a treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the
client's life. The treatment plan will contain concrete goals in
those four areas. The young woman examines each sphere of her life
- the biological/physical, psychological, social and spiritual.
The aim is to assist the individual to fully develop each of these
areas so that she enjoys:
strong self-esteem, feels in control of her life, has positive life goals and has the capacity to be productive.
 For Young
Women Only
The Cedars residential program is for young adolescent women
exclusively. Young women are often faced with a number of
ancillary and contributing issues related to addiction such as
depression, eating disorders, historical violence, physical,
emotional or sexual abuse. At The Cedars, the young women working
on their addictions can focus on their recovery without the
interference that is often present in a co-educational community.
Variety of Treatment Methods
The Cedars staff employs a variety of treatment modalities that
include:
The topics of the psycho-educational workshops
include boundaries, communication skills, and relationships.
Topics like honesty, values and self-care are explored in groups
or in individual counselling sessions. In addition, the 12 Step
model of recovery is utilized to engage the client in examining
their past behaviour and its effect on those around them. Clients
also attend Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings
regularly as a way of reinforcing the work done while engaged in
the 12 step program. In addition, the young women establish
community supports that will be available to them and invaluable
when the residential treatment program is complete.
Consultation and Support
The young woman, with assistance from her key worker, will
consult with various members of the treatment team during her
stay at The Cedars. Every resident is examined by a medical
doctor who specializes in addictions. In addition, the doctor
will provide various testing services if necessary. A
psychologist, therapist, fitness trainer and nutritionist are
part of the treatment team. The young women are encouraged to
explore their spirituality and time is set aside for
meditation, yoga, forms of worship and reading.
Peer mentoring
Peer mentoring models have proven to be a powerful and
effective change tool among youth. At The Cedars, young women
who have completed the program and who remain abstinent from
substances may take the role of Peer Mentor for those young
women just entering the program. This model provides powerful
reinforcement as well as opportunities for personal growth for
both the Peer Mentor and the new resident.
Recreation and social events
Recreation and participating in social events are also
considered to be an important part of the recovery process.
Supervised and structured outings provide the opportunity for
the young women to practice the skills they have learned in
the program as well has just have some fun. |
| Abstinence
The Cedars program requires that a resident remain
abstinent from any substances during the period that she
is in residence.
However, if a resident leaves The
Cedars before she has completed the program, the staff of
The Cedars will share harm reduction strategies
with the young woman. Harm reduction is a set of practical
strategies that reduce the negative consequences of
substance abuse. Harm reduction strategies are provided to
assist the young woman to keep herself safe if she
relapses.
There is never an attempt to minimize
or ignore the real and tragic harm and danger associated
with licit and illicit drug use. |
|
Family Counselling
Parents and other family members are inevitably affected by their
daughter's substance abuse. Therefore, weekly group and individual
counselling sessions are offered to a family while their daughter
is in residence and for three months after their daughter has
completed treatment. Aftercare
Recovery continues when the young woman leaves The Cedars to
return home. Therefore, key workers assist the resident to
complete detailed after care plans that include her return to
school, work, family, triggers, coping strategies, support
networks, and recovery groups in the home community. Clients of
The Cedars may return to The Cedars for counselling and support up
to three months after they leave the program.
Top
Home | About The Cedars
| The Program | Services
| Cost | Referrals
| Philosophy |
Search |
FAQ
|
Contact Us |
